Belgium Approves €700M for F-35 and Drone Missiles
Belgium is finalizing two major armament contracts totaling nearly €700 million to equip its newly acquired F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones with advanced air-to-ground missiles, according to reports from La Libre Belgique. The investment marks a significant milestone in Belgium’s military modernization under Defence Minister Theo Francken and aligns with the country’s renewed commitment to NATO defense spending targets.
Context: A Modernization Drive
Belgium has historically been one of NATO’s lowest defense spenders, frequently drawing criticism from allies for failing to meet the alliance’s 2% GDP guideline. Under the current Arizona coalition government, Belgium has committed to reaching that threshold in 2026 — earlier than the original 2029 target. A €188 million supplementary defense budget allocation earlier this month helped the country meet that goal for the first time.
The announcement coincides with the launch of BEDEX (Brussels European Defence Exhibition & Conference), Belgium’s first major international defense trade show, signaling the country’s ambition to position itself as a European defense hub.
The Contracts in Detail
The first and largest contract involves the purchase of AGM-184 JSM (Joint Strike Missile) air-to-ground missiles for Belgium’s F-35 fleet. Developed by Norwegian company Kongsberg in collaboration with US defense giant Raytheon (RTX group), the JSM is capable of striking land and maritime targets at distances exceeding 350 kilometers while maintaining the F-35’s stealth capability, as the missile can be carried internally.
Two sub-contracts are planned: €144 million with the US group and over €500 million with Kongsberg. Reports in the United States suggest each missile costs approximately €2.75 million, though Belgian defense officials have not disclosed the exact quantity being ordered.
The second contract concerns arming six MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, ordered from US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and based at Florennes airbase. Initial armament will consist of 16 Brimstone missiles from European manufacturer MBDA under a €10 million contract, followed by 120 Hellfire missiles from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin in a $30 million (€25 million) deal.
Belgium’s Growing F-35 Fleet
Belgium originally ordered 34 F-35A fighter jets in 2018, with the first aircraft arriving at Florennes airbase in October 2025. In February 2026, Minister Francken confirmed plans to order 11 additional jets, bringing the total planned fleet to 45 aircraft. The Belga News Agency reported that the missile purchases are part of Belgium’s wider effort to strengthen its military capabilities amid growing security concerns in Europe.
Strategic Implications
The investment creates a layered strike capability across both manned and unmanned platforms. The JSM missiles give Belgium a deep-strike capability it has not previously possessed, allowing F-35s to engage targets at ranges exceeding 350 km while remaining undetected.
Notably, the contracts are split between European suppliers (Kongsberg of Norway and MBDA) and US manufacturers (Raytheon and Lockheed Martin), reflecting Belgium’s balancing act between European strategic autonomy and its deep transatlantic defense relationship. This dual approach comes at a time of heightened debate within NATO about burden-sharing and European defense independence.
Concerns and Criticisms
Defense analyst Joseph Henrotin has previously questioned Minister Francken’s assertion that Belgium would have full operational autonomy over its US-made aircraft, raising concerns about dependence on American technology. Critics also point to the significant budgetary pressure these investments place on other government priorities. Nearly 20% of Belgium’s military procurement spending since 2020 has gone to US suppliers, according to La Libre Belgique.
What’s Next
The contracts are in the finalization stage and have not yet been formally signed. Key questions remain regarding the exact quantities of missiles ordered, the timeline for delivery and operational integration, and the broader impact on Belgium’s defense budget. As NATO raises its target to 3.5% of GDP for core defense spending, Belgium’s defense modernization trajectory will continue to be closely watched by both allies and domestic critics alike.